Movement space for carrying out physical activities

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a movement space for carrying out physical activities, comprising a raised floor (3) having a support structure (33) bearing on the ground (2) of the movement space. The support structure supports a horizontal platform (30) comprising a plurality of openings and comprises support elements (36) for supporting detachable covers (4) in order to cover these openings. These covers are configured to cover these openings (32) in such a way as to form a substantially uninterrupted raised surface (50) on which an individual can walk and carry out physical activities. The support structure (33), the platform (30) and each opening (32) are dimensioned so as to form a housing (38), delimited vertically by the ground (2) and the platform (30), in which a trampoline (60) can be housed, the elastic surface (61) of which can be accessed through the opening (31).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a movement space for carrying out physical activities, either indoors or outdoors, such as sports, medical or leisure activities.

The present invention relates in particular to a movement space for carrying out a plurality of physical activities, including activities using trampolines.

PRIOR ART

Carrying out physical activities, for sports, medical or leisure reasons, is part of the everyday life of many people. To that end, movement spaces allowing the carrying-out of physical activities have been created, in particular in public and private establishments.

Owing to the costs of such infrastructures and a limitation on available spaces, these spaces are designed for the carrying-out of a variety of activities, in particular by means of a series of temporary arrangements of physical activity tools and machines that are otherwise housed in a corner or in a storeroom of the movement space.

Such physical activities include sports, medical and leisure activities carried out using exercise bikes, weights, benches, mats or trampolines.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to propose a movement space for carrying out physical activities which has a functional, practical structure that allows and facilitates the performance of a plurality of physical activities, in particular trampoline-based activities.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved, in particular, by means of claim 1. The dependent claims describe particular embodiments of the invention.

This solution offers, in particular, the advantage, as compared to the prior art, of allowing a wider variety of physical activities, including activities with trampolines, which allows a more rapid arrangement of the space at the time of activities involving trampolines.

Moreover, this space allows the performance of a new range of physical activities with trampolines, activities involving simultaneous or sequential actions on trampolines and on the raised platform surrounding a trampoline.

This solution further provides a storage space for the trampolines when they are not in use, which makes it possible to free up the storage space of the movement space or of a storeroom of the latter.

One of the particular embodiments of the invention allows a storage of physical activity tools and machines in storerooms housed under the platform, which, in addition to freeing up useful space, makes it possible to rapidly provide these tools or machines.

One of the particular embodiments of the invention makes it possible to remove the covers covering the openings while preventing cavities or protuberances on the surface thereof or of the platform, which cavities and protuberances might disrupt or prevent the performance of a physical activity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary implementations of the invention are indicated in the description, illustrated by the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a room for carrying out physical activities according to the invention;

FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate details of a housing for a trampoline, one in horizontal section just below the platform of the room (2 a) and the other closed with a cover (2 b);

FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views of various particular embodiments of a room for carrying out physical activities according to the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a cover for the physical activity room according to the invention;

FIGS. 6a and 6b are sectional views of various particular embodiments of a physical activity room equipped with lighting according to the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the structure for supporting the raised floor according to the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a storeroom that can be accessed from the raised floor according to the invention.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a movement space for carrying out physical activities, in particular indoors, such as sports, medical or leisure activities.

The movement space may be in the form of a room or of a premises in a building or, alternatively, an outdoor space.

The present invention relates in particular to a movement space for carrying out a plurality of physical activities, including activities using trampolines.

The movement space comprises a ground and a raised floor having a support structure bearing on the ground and supporting a horizontal platform on which an individual can walk and carry out physical activities, including, for example, fitness and aerobics classes, cardio training, exercise biking, weight training, and also football, tennis and dancing.

The expression “horizontal platform” indicates a platform having its upper surface oriented substantially parallel to the horizon such as to enable an individual to walk thereon and to carry out physical activities thereon, i.e. it forms an angle with the line of the horizon in a range of values between −20° and +20° degrees, preferably between −2° and +2° degrees.

Within the meaning of the invention, the term “horizontal” indicates a direction substantially parallel to said “horizontal platform”, whereas the term “vertical” indicates a direction substantially perpendicular thereto.

The horizontal platform comprises a plurality of openings providing access to the ground or to a portion of the ground of the movement space. The ground may be rough-finished or covered with a functional layer.

The support structure, the platform and each of these openings in the platform are dimensioned such as to form a housing delimited vertically by the ground and the platform, allowing the housing of a trampoline, the elastic surface of which can be accessed through the opening.

The housing is dimensioned vertically by means, in particular, of the dimensioning of the support structure and of the platform, such that the elastic surface of a trampoline (when it is positioned in one of the housings) is positioned vertically at the bottom relative to the upper surface of the platform. This allows the use of the trampoline for activities based entirely on the use of the elastic surface thereof and also for activities involving simultaneous or sequential actions on the trampoline and on the raised platform surrounding it.

The movement space is equipped with detachable covers, each cover being configured such as to cover one of these openings such as to form, with the platform, a substantially uninterrupted raised surface.

The expression “a substantially uninterrupted surface” indicates a surface enabling individuals to walk thereon completely safely, i.e. a surface free of protuberances and cavities that might compromise or constitute obstacles to an individual's progress.

The covers are detachable from the platform such as not to form obstacles to the satisfactory performance of the activities using the trampolines, whilst allowing free access to the platform surrounding them.

The covers may be temporarily housed, advantageously stacked one upon another, in a dedicated space or simply in a corner of the movement space.

This solution therefore makes it possible to provide a space for the storage of the trampolines when they are not in use, which does not require them to be dismantled. This further makes it possible rapidly to provide trampolines at the time of an activity involving them, because the trampolines are always ready for use.

The support structure comprises support elements for supporting each cover when it covers one of the openings in the floor such that the raised surface resulting therefrom enables individuals not only to walk thereon but also to carry out other physical activities thereon that do not use trampolines, and to do so completely safely.

The movement space further comprises one or more storerooms located in the empty space created between the ground and the platform, outside of the housings for trampolines. Storerooms may thus be advantageously formed in these empty spaces and the horizontal platform. The horizontal platform is provided with hatches corresponding to these storerooms such as to provide access to these storerooms. This makes it possible to benefit from storage for tools and physical activity machines in these storerooms under the platform, which, in addition to freeing up useful space for another purpose, makes it possible to provide these tools and machines rapidly.

Advantageously, the hatches may comprise a body affording the necessary robustness to support an individual carrying out physical activity. The body of the hatch may be covered with a surface covering, advantageously the same as that of the platform.

Advantageously, the support structure may comprise support elements for supporting each hatch when it closes one of the storerooms in the floor.

Advantageously, the upper surface of the hatch, when it closes the storeroom, is at the same height as the surface of the horizontal platform such as to enable individuals to walk thereon and to carry out physical activities thereon completely safely. To allow correct performance of physical activities involving repeated impacts on the platform, each hatch, when it closes one of the storerooms, may rest on flexible joints.

The platform may be composed of a plurality of panels, particularly panels made from wood, which are juxtaposed relative to one another. The platform may comprise a surface covering suited to the carrying-out of physical activities.

The cover may comprise a body affording the necessary robustness to support an individual carrying out the physical activity. The body of the cover may be covered with a surface covering, advantageously the same as that of the platform.

Advantageously, the cover comprises a retractable or detachable handle such as to make it possible, by means of this handle, to detach the cover covering an opening in the platform whilst at the same time guaranteeing a surface that is substantially free of protuberances or cavities that might interfere with or compromise the carrying-out of a physical activity.

With a view to allowing correct performance of physical activities involving rapid movements, the horizontal movement of each cover is limited by the configuration of the support elements and/or of a surface of the platform (e.g. by a periphery of the opening). Advantageously, flexible joints may be envisaged for interacting between surfaces of the cover and surfaces of the platform (e.g. of the support elements) such as to ultimately reduce the amplitude of the horizontal movements (horizontal sliding) of the cover relative to the platform.

With a view to allowing correct performance of physical activities involving the repeated impacts with the platform, each cover, when it covers one of the openings, can rest on flexible joints. These flexible joints are configured to interact between surfaces of the cover and surfaces of the supporting elements such as to reduce the amplitude of the vertical movements and/or vibrations of the cover relative to the platform.

Advantageously, the support structure comprises cellular structures, each cellular structure substantially surrounding one of the housings. This cellular structure makes it possible to provide a stable, robust support for the platform, above all at the ends of the platform located close to the housing, whilst dimensioning the housing horizontally.

Advantageously, the cellular structure may be configured such as to substantially enclose the housing within. This housing thus assumes the form of a blind cavity delimited by lateral and opposite walls of the cellular structure and by the ground.

The housing thus comprises lateral walls that make it possible to horizontally retain a trampoline when it is housed in this housing. Optionally, the cellular structure may be equipped with retention elements configured such as to act between the cellular structure and a portion of the trampoline. This arrangement makes it possible, furthermore, physically to separate the housing relative to the empty space between the platform and the ground, which makes it possible to reduce the movement of objects from and to the housing. This arrangement makes it possible, moreover, to avoid a movement of dust that has accumulated between the platform and the ground towards the housing and also allows cleaning and efficient maintenance of the housing for the trampoline.

The ground may be covered with one or more covering(s). One or a plurality of covering(s) may have a function of protecting against wear or possible damage caused by the support structure or by the use of the trampolines.

Alternatively, or complementarily, one or a plurality of covering(s) may have a noise suppression function in order to reduce an acoustic propagation of sounds and noises generated by the carrying-out of a physical activity, in particular towards spaces located under the ground of the movement space.

Alternatively, or complementarily, one or a plurality of covering(s) may have a thermal insulation function, particularly when the movement space is located in the basement of a building or outdoors.

Raising elements or layers may be provided to adapt (raise) the height of the elastic surface of one or more trampoline(s) relative to the height of the surface of the platform on which individuals carry out a physical activity. These raising elements or layers make it possible to reduce the discrepancy between these heights such as to promote or to allow certain physical activities based on trampolines.

The movement space may comprise one or more lighting element(s) advantageously positioned on a surface of the platform, for example on surfaces of the peripheries of the openings, or in housings for trampolines, such as to generate light effects promoting physical activities with the trampolines and/or physical activities carried out in a shadowy or dark environment.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a movement space in the form of a physical activity room 1 inside a building.

The room 1 comprises a raised floor 3 covering essentially the entire surface of the room 1. The raised floor 3 comprises a horizontal platform 30 that can be accessed by access ramps 55, in this case ramps positioned opposite points of access to the room.

The horizontal platform 30 comprises a plurality of openings 32, each of these openings providing access to the elastic surface 61 of a trampoline 60 positioned on the ground of the room, such as that illustrated by FIG. 2 a.

The openings may match the external form of the trampolines (in particular, the contour of the elastic surface), which may have a circular, square or polygonal form. Furthermore, the openings may be dimensioned such as to reduce the discrepancy between the space the edges of the platform and the edges of the elastic surfaces of the trampolines housed therein. In FIG. 1, the trampolines and the openings have a hexagonal form.

Advantageously, the opening allows positioning and removal of a trampoline into and from a housing at any time, this not requiring a part of the platform to be dismantled or removed.

Fitness trampolines on the market often have a diameter of 80 or 139 cm.

The diameter 71 of the openings is in a range of 0.8 m to 1.8 m. Preferably, the diameter is in a range of 1.4 m to 1.6 m such as to be able to house the majority of fitness trampolines on the market in the housing, this being without having to the mounted, to see the dismantled, in the housing in order to be able to place, to see remove, them.

The term “diameter” indicates, in the case of an opening having a polygonal form, the diameter of the enscribed circle thereof (i.e. the circle tangential to all the sides of the polygon).

The room 1 is equipped with a plurality of detachable covers 4 for covering these openings during physical activity not requiring use of these trampolines, such that it is possible to use the same room 1 for other activities.

Advantageously, the openings are dimensioned in the same way such that the covers can be interchanged between each other, i.e. the same cover may be used sequentially to cover each opening in the room.

The room is also equipped with storerooms 39 housed under the raised floor 3, which can be accessed by hatches 35. These storerooms allow efficient, rapid storage of tools for carrying out physical activities, such as dumbbells, mats and other small tools or machines. These storerooms furthermore make it possible to rapidly provide these tools and machines when preparing for a specific physical activity.

As illustrated in FIG. 2b , each cover 4 is configured such as to cover one of the openings 32 in the platform so as to form a raised surface 50 comprising the upper face of the cover 40 and the horizontal platform 30. The raised surface 50 resulting therefrom is substantially uninterrupted, on which an individual can walk and carry out physical activities completely safely.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the movement room 1 that makes it possible to visualize an embodiment of the floor 3 according to the invention.

The platform 30 of the raised floor 3 rests on a support structure 33 bearing on the ground 2 of the room. The ground is covered with a protective covering, in this case a layer of soft material (Pavatex®).

The platform comprises a body 311 formed by body elements juxtaposed relative to one another, for example wood panels. The body is covered with a covering 31 facilitating or permitting physical activities, such as wooden flooring.

The support structure 33, the platform 30 and the openings 32 are dimensioned such as to form a series of housings 38 for receiving the trampolines 60, whilst providing access to the latter through the openings.

The housing 38 for a trampoline 60 is delimited vertically by the ground 2 and the platform 30 such as to allow the housing of a trampoline so that the elastic surface thereof is positioned, vertically, under the movement surface of the platform 31.

In the practical case illustrated in FIG. 3, the support structure 33 and the platform 30 are dimensioned such as to create a housing having a height 70, i.e. a vertical distance between the ground 2 (in particular, the covering 21 thereof) and the raised surface 50, which is higher than the height 72 of the trampolines used in or intended for the room 1, in such a manner as to permit the covering thereof with a cover 40.

The height 70 is in a range from 0.2 m to 1 m. Preferably, the height 70 is between 0.3 m and 0.5 m so that it is possible to house the majority of the fitness trampolines currently available on the market, the elastic surface of which is configured to be positioned at around 25 cm above ground. The height 70 of the housings of the embodiments illustrated is 40 cm.

The positioning of the elastic surface of a trampoline housed in a housing may be adapted (raised) by raising elements or layers that interact between the ground and the supports of the trampoline. These raising elements or layers make it possible to reduce and/or to adapt the discrepancy between the height 70 of the surface 55 and the elastic surface 61 of a trampoline housed therein such as to promote or to permit a wider variety of physical activities.

Advantageously, the support structure comprises a plurality of cellular structures 331, each dimensioned to enclose, within, one of these housings (FIG. 2a ). The lateral and opposite walls of the cellular structure 331 form the walls of the housing. The section of the housing may have a form that matches the external form of the trampoline to be housed therein, for example circular, square or polygonal. In this illustrated case, the walls of the cellular structure form a housing with a hexagonal cross section.

Alternately, the cellular structure 331 may have a tubular or annular form such as to create a cylindrical housing allowing the housing of trampolines having a plurality of different exterior forms.

This cellular structure makes it possible to provide a stable, robust support for the platform, in particular at the ends of the platform located close to the housing, whilst limiting the horizontal movement of a trampoline housed therein.

The support structure in FIG. 3 further comprises retention elements 36, 37 for limiting the horizontal and/or vertical movements of a trampoline housed in a housing, e.g. by means of beams 36, 37 fixed along the surfaces of the cellular structure that surrounds it.

The support structure 33 comprises support elements, in this case beams 36 (e.g. in the form of joists), fixed along opposite faces of the hexagonal support structure in order to support a cover when it is covering this opening. The beams may equip all the faces of the cellular structure or only a pair of opposite faces.

Advantageously, these support elements 36 may be dimensioned such as to interact, also, as retention elements, in one or more horizontal direction(s).

The opening is surrounded by a periphery 34, which allows a better finish for the surfaces of the platform giving onto the openings.

A material 25 providing acoustic insulation may advantageously be housed in the empty, unused spaces created between the platform and the ground (covering for the ground).

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a configuration of a housing, which is illustrated without a trampoline within.

This example of a configuration illustrates a storeroom 39 housed under the platform and accessed via a hatch 35. The hatch may be a detachable panel or a pivoting hatch.

A first series of flexible joints 51 is positioned between a cover surface and a surface of the beams 36. These joints may be fixed either on the surface of the cover or on the surface of the beams 36.

A second series of flexible joints 51 is positioned between a cover surface and a surface of the platform, in this case of the periphery 34. These joints may be fixed either to the surface of the cover or to the surface of the platform or of the periphery.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detail of one particularly advantageous embodiment of the cover 4, illustrated in FIG. 2b . This cover has one or more through- or blind cavity (cavities) 43 arranged to receive an end of a detachable handle (not illustrated).

The cover 4 comprises a body 41, advantageously made from solid wood, that makes it possible to support individuals carrying out physical activities. On its external face, the body 41 is covered with a covering 42 allowing or facilitating physical activities. Advantageously, the covering 42 of the cover and the same, or having properties similar to the covering 31 of the platform.

The body 41 is equipped with at least one through-cavity 46 allowing the housing of a peg 43 permitting the retention of an end of a detachable handle (not illustrated). Preferably, the peg and the end of the handle are threaded so as to allow insertion and retention of the detachable handle by rotation.

The peg 43 is retained by means of a panel 44 fixed to the body of the cover by means of fixing screws 45. The panel allows a better distribution of weight on a more extensive surface of the body of the cover.

Advantageously, the panel and the fixing means 45 are likewise housed in the cavity such that the latter do not create protuberances projecting from the hidden surface of the cover. Once the cover has been detached, this makes it possible to place it on the platform without damaging the platform and the covering of the latter. A layer of a soft material, such as non-woven textile (felt), may cover this cavity 46, which makes it possible to obtain a point of contact that allows a movement of the cover over the platform by sliding, without causing damage thereto. Alternately, or complementarily, castors may be provided to allow easy movement of the cover over the platform.

In this embodiment, the cover is equipped with two through-cavities located close to two opposite sides of the perimeter of the cover, each cavity retaining a peg 43 accessed by an end of a handle when the cover is housed in an opening (FIG. 2b ).

FIGS. 6a and 6b are sectional views of various particular embodiments of a physical activity room equipped with lighting. The lighting may comprise one or more light source(s) 52.

In the example of FIG. 6a , a light source 52 is housed in a cavity in the platform 30, in particular in the covering 31 of the latter.

The light source 52 may likewise be housed in a cavity of the periphery 34, as illustrated in FIGS. 2b and 6 b.

The light source 52 may comprise a set of straight or curved lighting elements connected such as to form a substantially uninterrupted light source surrounding the opening. The lighting elements may be LEDs.

The control and power electronics for this light source may be housed in the same housing as the trampoline or in a dedicated housing, since the wiring may be positioned under the platform.

FIG. 6b further illustrates one embodiment in which two series of flexible joints 51 are fixed, one to the cover and interacting between the latter and the periphery and the other series being fixed to the beams 36 and interacting between the latter and the cover.

In this embodiment, the ground 2 is covered with a plurality of coverings 21, 22, 23. In addition to a first covering 21 consisting of a layer of soft material (Pavatex®) two coverings 22, 23 made from rubber are also used to improve the protection of the ground against possible damage and also to attenuate the vibrations of the raised floor caused by the performance of physical activities.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the support structure of the raised floor using cellular structures.

The support structure 33 in FIG. 7 comprises a plurality of cellular structures 331, each delimiting one of these housings. The cellular structures 331 may be spaced and/or aligned by means of one or more fixing element(s), in particular in the form of boards 332. Where appropriate, the fixing elements may be configured such as to provide a bearing surface for the platform 30 of the floor 3, this being between the cellular structures 331.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a storeroom 39 accessed from the raised floor.

Advantageously, the storeroom comprises lateral walls 333, 334 delimiting the storeroom. These walls make it possible to prevent an awkward movement of an object under the platform and also dust accumulating between the platform and the ground toward the storeroom.

Advantageously, the lateral walls 333, 334 delimiting the storeroom may form part of the support structure 33, in particular providing a bearing surface for the platform 30 of the floor 3.

The hatch closing the storeroom may be in the form of a detachable or pivoting cover.

REFERENCE NUMBERS USED IN THE FIGURES

-   1 Fitness space -   2 Rough-finished ground -   21-23 Ground covering -   25 Acoustic insulation -   3 Raised floor -   30 Platform of the floor -   31 Covering of the platform -   311 Body of the platform -   32 Opening in the platform -   33 Support structure -   331 Cellular structure -   332 Fixing element -   333,334 Walls of the storeroom -   34 Periphery -   35 Hatch -   36 Support beam -   37 Retention beam -   38 Housing for trampoline -   39 Housing, storeroom for tools -   4 Cover -   40 Surface of the cover -   41 Body of the cover -   42 Covering -   43 Threaded peg -   44 Panel -   45 Fixing screw -   46 Cavity -   47 Felt -   50 Raised surface -   51 Flexible joint -   52 LED lighting -   55 Access ramp -   60 Trampoline -   61 Elastic surface of the trampoline -   70 Height -   71 Diameter of the opening -   72 Height of the trampolines 

1. A movement space for carrying out physical activities, comprising: a ground; a raised floor having a support structure bearing on said ground, supporting a horizontal platform comprising a plurality of openings; a plurality of detachable covers, each cover being configured to cover one of the openings in the platform and, when said cover closes one of these openings, to form a substantially uninterrupted raised surface comprising an upper face of the cover and the horizontal platform, on which an individual can walk and carry out physical activities; wherein the support structure comprises support elements for supporting each cover when it covers one of the openings in the floor; the support structure, the platform and each opening are dimensioned so as to form a housing, delimited vertically by the ground and the platform, allowing the housing of a trampoline, the elastic surface of which can be accessed through the opening (32); and said movement space further comprising trampolines housed in the housings.
 2. The movement space as claimed in claim 1, the horizontal platform comprising at least one hatch providing access to a storeroom for tools, the storeroom being positioned between the ground and the horizontal platform.
 3. The movement space as claimed in claim 2, the support structure comprising lateral walls delimiting the storeroom.
 4. The movement space as claimed in claim 1, the support structure comprising cellular structures substantially surrounding and/or enclosing each housing.
 5. The movement space as claimed in claim 1, the support structure comprising retention elements configured so as to horizontally retain a trampoline when it is housed in the housing.
 6. The movement space as claimed in claim 1, the horizontal platform comprising a periphery surrounding one of the openings in the platform.
 7. The movement space as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one flexible joint arranged such as to be positioned between a surface of a cover and a surface of the raised floor when the cover operationally covers one of said openings.
 8. The movement space as claimed in claim 1, further comprising one or more light source(s) positioned on a surface of the platform, preferably on a surface of the periphery.
 9. The movement space as claimed in claim 1, at least one of said plurality of covers comprising a retractable handle.
 10. The movement space as claimed in claim 1, at least one of said plurality of covers comprising a through-hole or a blind hole allowing an insertion of an end of a detachable handle.
 11. The movement space as claimed in claim 1, the support structure, the horizontal platform and the covers being dimensioned such that the raised surface is at a height relative to the ground within a range of 0.2 m to 1 m, and preferably between 0.3 m and 0.5 m.
 12. The movement space as claimed in claim 1, the diameter of each of the openings being in a range from 0.8 m to 1.80 m.
 13. The movement space as claimed in claim 1, wherein said raised floor is arranged to create an empty space delimited between the ground and the platform. 